Date of Award: June 15, 1899
Conflict: Indian Wars
Branch: U.S. Army

After joining the U.S. Army at St. Louis, Mo., 25-year-old William Bryan went on to serve his country heroically. A hospital steward, Bryan fought on horse and on foot at Powder River, Wy., on March 17, 1876, under heavy fire to save the lives of his comrades.

Citation: “Accompanied a detachment of cavalry in a charge on a village of hostile Indians and fought through the engagements, having his horse killed under him. He continued to fight on foot and under severe fire and without assistance conveyed two wounded comrades to places of safety, saving them from capture.”